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1 hour
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Beautiful Hexham’s Ugly Past - Guided Walking Tour
“Fascinating to learn just how stinky/violent this picturesque market town was.” “Would totally recommend this if you’ve got an hour.”
“Informative, fun, evocative tour” “A fabulous, quirky tour”
Explore over 1,000 years of Hexham’s dark history as your guide, an accomplished public speaker and official Hexham Town Crier, brings the past to life.
Just arrived in Hexham? Get to know your way around while being entertained.
Tour includes:
The market square massacre in which 51 were killed.
The brutal, life-changing punishments given for trivial offences.
The macabre contents that gave the drinking water its ‘distinct’ flavour.
How well does your guide know Hexham?
They were born and raised in Hexham.
They spent eight months researching Hexham’s history.
They’re an official Town Crier for Hexham.
This tour is: Accessible Dog-Friendly Circular Route
A healthy outdoor activity
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dog Friendly
Disability Aware
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hexham
We begin and walk through the ancient Market Town of Hexham.
Hexham Abbey
We stop outside the stunning Abbey to hear of Hexham's most 'bloodiest' days and then walk through the garden to hear of repeated attacks from invaders. (opportunity for Photographs)
Experienced Storytelling Guide
All Refreshments
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Trebor3017,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Helen was excellent story teller and brought the history to life. We really enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend.
Gemma S,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
Did the tour with Helen and wow it was absolutely fab! Learnt so much about the history of Hexham, all the grizzly details. We saw things and learnt things we would never have seen or know otherwise. It made our visit to Hexham much more animated and enjoyable. Helen is a brilliant tour guide and very knowledgeable! We hope to see you on another tour soon! Gemma and Aidan x
gemmasP3993QA,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Did the tour with Helen and wow it was absolutely fab! Learnt so much about the history of Hexham, all the grizzly details. We saw things and learnt things we would never have seen or know otherwise. It made our visit to Hexham much more animated and enjoyable. Helen is a brilliant tour guide and very knowledgeable! We hope to see you on another tour soon! Gemma and Aidan x

E9177NTgl,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Interesting and entertaining tour. Helen the tour guide was very enthusiastic and involved everyone on the walk. Highly recommended.
A4141VMkatem,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
First rate tour! Our guide Helen was so enthusiastic and full of interesting facts. I’ve lived in Hexham for 40 years but learned a lot about the town on this tour. We were a party of 3 aged from eighty to thirteen - we were all engaged and really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks Helen for a very well spent hour. Can thoroughly recommend!
Paul W,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
This trip really exceeded expectations due to how Helen delivered the tour, full of interesting facts places we didn’t know existed and humour!!
837jacquir,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Fun evening for all the family. Interesting facts about Hexham's history. Knowledgeable host made tour personable and engaging.
Z6865QBjessicaa,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Visited the Hexham gruesome tour with my teenage daughter, we both really enjoyed the tour, very interesting and the guide was lovely and welcoming, she really immersed us in the stories.
jillg253,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We recently joined Helen with 22 members of our Beaver Scout colony for her Gruesome Tour of Hexham. Helen did an amazing job of tweaking the tour to make it age appropriate but still fascinating for 6-7 year olds. The group loved learning about our home town and all came away talking about their favourite stories, sharing them with their families. Even the adults who've lived in Hexham for decades learned something new. Thanks Helen - we'll be back!


911feh,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
very interesting evening and nice to know more about the town. Helen was lovely and very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject
Operated by Adventours UK Newcastle